Angel’s Breath by Taetia McEwen

As evening closes in and the day finally comes to an end, there is comfort in drawing the curtains, turning off the bright overhead lights and filling the room with soft lamp light. It offers an atmosphere of calm and signals that the busy day is over and now it’s time for rest.

This was the feeling that was conveyed to us when we saw Taetia McEwen’s latest project; a subtly beautiful duo comprising a decorative wreath design and a gorgeous table lamp.

Angel’s Breath from Inspirations issue #111, is a unique project in so many ways. Taetia is well known for her fabulous lamps that she embellishes with the flair of a master embroidery artist. This project, however, definitely stands out.

The colouring is the first thing that catches the eye, with a lovely combination of gold, cream and soft apricot. These hues are set off by the sparkle from the sequins and beads that dot the design, and the wonderful textures that Taetia has achieved by using a range of different materials.

Perhaps most striking of all are the ribbon flowers that provide the focus of Angel’s Breath. Ribbon embroidery is a delightful technique that produces fabulous effects that are relatively quick and easy to work up, as is beautifully demonstrated in Angel’s Breath.

According to our friends over at Sajou in France, ribbon embroidery has been around since the 17th Century. It was also known at the time as rococo embroidery and was frequently used to embellish clothing for both men and women. At the time, they primarily used silk ribbon as it was the only material available in ribbon form at the time.

Rococo is an architectural term for volutes and fantasy garlands that so aptly describes the kind of motifs that can be achieved by the skilled ribbon embroiderer.

Over the centuries, ribbons began to be used to embellish many other household items including cushions, handkerchiefs and bags. They also continued to be used on clothing, particularly for women and girls, with the emergence of new materials pushing the trend forward.

By the 20th Century, ribbons were available in all sizes, colours and materials including velvet, satin and then later nylon and polyester. Most ribbon embroiderers, however, still prefer to work with silk ribbon due to the fact it is easy to manipulate, shape and stitch with. But that doesn’t mean fantastic effects can’t be produced with other materials, as Taetia has so skilfully proven.

As well as working the more traditional silk ribbon flowers in this design, Taetia has also selected a velvet ribbon in a variegated shade that ranges from cream through to coral pink.

These flowers really set this design apart, with their tactile petals and shimmering centres.

They are then set off by the background foliage, worked in a wide array of different stitches that are sure to keep even the most experienced stitcher content.

As you are working this sublime duo, you can anticipate the relaxing feeling you are going to experience when it is complete. Imagine the pleasure of entering a room lit by your new lamp, with the wreath hanging on the wall beside it. If ever there was a project that you need to make in order to really nurture yourself, Angel’s Breath is it.

Make Your Own Angel’s Breath

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Angel’s Breath by Taetia McEwen is a pretty lampshade and wreath decorated with a combination of ribbon and velvet flowers.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Angel’s Breath includes everything* you need to re-create this stunning lampshade and wreath: Fabrics (unprinted), wool felt, interfacing, sewing and nylon threads, wires, charms, ribbons, embroidery threads, beads, sequins and needles.

*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the magazine/digital pattern.  Kit does not include lampshade and base, display hoop or printed cotton.